Three new delegates have been welcomed on to Rugby League’s Community Board which makes policy and strategy for the whole community game and is chaired by Richard Lewis.

Stuart Prior (BARLA), Martin Coyd (tier four adult leagues) and Fred Baker (independent) will sit in the meetings alongside representatives of the RFL, the Armed Services, English Schools Rugby League, Student Rugby League and other leagues.

RFL Chairman Richard Lewis said: “We’re delighted to welcome these three new representatives on to the Community Board.

“They bring with them a wealth of experience from the community game which will hugely benefit the Board’s decision making process as we look forward to the start of the new summer-based season in March.”

At the last Community Board meeting the RFL’s new education policy was signed off as were new operational rules for the community game.

There was also discussion on the RFL’s new Sport England submission for 2013- 2017 which is currently being worked on.

Martin Coyd represents the tier four clubs on the board and is currently Chair of the London RL Junior League, Scholarship Manager at London Broncos RLFC and Manager of the England Wheelchair RL Team.

Martin Coyd said: “I am delighted to be invited to have the opportunity to help shape the future of our game in this very exciting and challenging evolution. 

“The move to a summer-based season will present some fantastic opportunities to develop Rugby League across the whole of the UK, giving access to new players, volunteers and supporters and creating a foundation for us to grow into 21st century. 

“There will also be some barriers to our success and we will need to work together, understanding the needs of all the people who belong to Rugby League and ensuring that, whilst looking to the future, we don’t forget what made Rugby League the incredible sport that it is.

“I intend to get around and listen to as many people as I can, across the whole of the UK in Tier four, including and especially Women, Wheelchair and Masters participants, who can play a major part in our future.

“I believe that the key is to establish, nurture and grow the game with young people, starting as early as possible. Provide great coaching, in fine conditions and the best possible, family orientated environment. 

“Rugby League will become their sport of choice for the rest of their lives and our future will be secure. That, I believe, is our greatest opportunity.”

Stuart Prior who ably covered for John Pattison as the BARLA representative for a number of meetings has been confirmed as the BARLA representative after John's untimely death at the end of last year.

Stuart Prior said: “It is an honour and a pleasure to represent BARLA at the community board. I have big shoes to fill after the passing of John Pattinson and if nothing else I just want to continue all the good work John put in before me.

“My focus has always been to get the best possible outcomes for the community clubs, regardless if they are a BARLA member. We are one family, one sport and only united together can we succeed.

“BARLA, over the years, have been the front runners in innovation and progression; now combine that with the RFL’s community body and we have a recipe for success. 

“One of my long term my goals is to see more professional clubs coaching in community clubs and taking it away from the elite inner circle thus giving more children quality professional coaching and perhaps producing more quality international players long term.

“As for the future we are all walking into the unknown but I hope it’s a path which will have a massive positive effect for the growth of Rugby League in our country.”

Fred Baker joins the Community Board as an independent member and is currently involved with Telford Raiders Rugby League club as Chairman and Academy Coach.

Fred Baker said: “I am delighted and honoured to become an independent member of the RFL Community Board at such an exciting time in the history of the game.
 
I look forward to working with my fellow Board members to develop and refine strategies that will promote and develop the game of rugby league, and make it accessible to all.
 
I trust that my experience in many areas of the game, as a fan, coach, administrator and parent, will enable me to make a useful contribution to shaping the future and ensuring that Rugby League at community level is the very best it can be.”

For more information on the Community Board visit: http://www.therfl.co.uk/community_board